Whether you are working all day on your feet or you have an injury, there are many do-it-yourself techniques to relieve foot pain and discomfort. Some are as simple as soaking your feet in a warm bath or massaging them with a roller.
Epsom Salt
Soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt is a natural remedy for soothing sore muscles, and it’s also an easy way to help treat fungus. Whether you suffer from achy feet or want to try something a little different than your grandma’s usual foot-soaking methods, Epsom salt is an affordable and effective way to soothe your sore feet.
Not to be confused with table salt, Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is not a salt but a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate in rock-like formations. You can find it in the health and beauty section of your grocery store or at the pharmacy. It’s often sold in granule form and can be dissolved in hot water to create a therapeutic soak that helps relieve stress and soothe sore muscles.
The sulfate in Epsom salt helps reduce inflammation and is known to relax the body, making it ideal for relaxing sore feet. Adding scented salts like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus can make the experience more enjoyable and relaxing. Epsom salt soaks are especially helpful after a long day on your feet or following a strenuous workout. They can also help to remove splinters by reducing swelling and softening the skin around the splinter, allowing it to come out more easily.
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath can reduce aches and pains in just 20 minutes. The magnesium in the salt can ease muscle pain and stiffness, and it also helps relieve the itching of athlete’s foot. However, it won’t fully treat the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, so topical antifungals are still necessary.
While a regular Epsom salt soak can be beneficial for many people, it’s important to talk with your doctor before using this home treatment if you have diabetes. Soaking your feet regularly may increase dryness and cracking, which can lead to infection in individuals with diabetes. This is particularly true if you have open wounds or sores on your feet. Your doctor can recommend other treatments for soothing sore feet that will not increase your risk of infection.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe sore feet and relieve foot odor. It also contains analgesic properties that can reduce pain and stiffness. The calming scent of lavender can also aid sleep and reduce stress, which is linked to foot pain and discomfort.
Studies have shown that massaging lavender oil into the skin can ease premenstrual emotional symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. This may be due to its anxiolytic properties, which can alleviate mood swings and lower stress levels. Lavender oil is also known for its antiseptic and wound-healing properties. It can be used to treat mild burns, abrasions, cuts, and sores. It can also be added to a base oil and massaged into the feet to ease pain caused by varicose veins.
Another popular natural remedy for soothing foot pain is peppermint and eucalyptus oil. These oils have cooling and numbing properties that can help relieve sore feet. They can also be diluted with other essential oils, such as chamomile and marjoram, reducing tension and relieving stress.
The menthol found in peppermint and eucalyptus oils can also provide relief from pain. The oils contain a high concentration of menthol, which is an analgesic that can relieve soreness in the feet and legs. These essential oils are great for treating chronic foot pain, and they can be diluted with other ingredients to create homemade creams.
Essential oils can also be sprayed directly onto the feet to help ease pain. One study found that 60 people who suffered from neuropathy experienced pain relief after being sprayed with a combination of geranium, lavender, bergamot, and tea tree oil. The researchers found that the oil helped to relieve nerve pain and reduce fatigue caused by chemotherapy.
To use these oils, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a cup of warm water and soak the feet for about 15 minutes. This can be done daily or as needed to soothe sore feet. You can also mix the oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and apply it to the affected area.
Mustard Seeds
Many factors can cause pain, aching, and stiffness in the feet. Some of these include sprains, flat feet or plantar fasciitis, and pregnancy. These symptoms are usually relieved with a few simple home remedies. Using these techniques will help ease the foot’s discomfort and relieve sore muscles, making you feel much better.
One of the best natural remedies for foot pain is mustard seeds. They are rich in fatty acids that can help to moisturize the skin, and they also have antimicrobial properties, which can help to fight infections on the feet. They can be used in a variety of ways, including powdered and as an essential oil. Mustard seed powder can be mixed with flour to make a paste that is applied to the sore muscle as a poultice. Mustard oil can be massaged onto the feet to soothe the muscles and reduce pain. It can also be used to help relieve arthritic pain.
Another option is to use mustard vinegar as a soak for the feet. The vinegar helps to reduce swelling and has a detoxifying effect on the body. This is a great remedy for people who are suffering from foot problems such as swollen feet or plantar fasciitis. To use the vinegar, fill a tub with water and add two teaspoons of mustard vinegar to it. Soak your feet in this mixture for about 20 minutes every day.
Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of mustard oil with other oils such as clove, sesame, or lavender oil and apply this to your foot. This can help to soothe the pain and reduce itchiness on your feet. You can also massage your feet with this mixture to boost blood circulation and reduce discomfort.
Other things you can do to help with your sore feet are to wear shoes that fit properly. This can prevent your feet from getting blisters and help to avoid the pressure on the bones in your feet. You can also rub your feet with a foot scrub or lotion that contains urea to help remove rough spots before they become painful calluses.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a natural pain reliever and is effective in reducing swelling. It also helps to prevent foot aches and has antioxidant properties. It can be applied directly to the skin or in a massage oil. It is advisable to take it in moderation, as too much consumption can cause irritation.
Cayenne Pepper contains capsaicin, an anti-inflammatory agent that can ease sore muscles. It helps to increase blood circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system. Capsaicin is also an excellent hepatoprotective and can help to reduce high blood pressure. It also helps in preventing cancer and can help to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
The hepatoprotective qualities of cayenne pepper can also improve liver function and decrease fatty liver. It can also help treat and prevent diabetes, arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also treat and alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.
Epsom salt is another tried-and-true home remedy for soothing sore feet. Mixing half a cup of Epsom salt with a pan of comfortably warm water and letting your feet soak for 15 minutes can ease sore, aching muscles. The magnesium and sulfate in Epsom salt can also help to loosen stiff joints. Lavender oil can be added to the mixture to relax the foot bath.
Massages are another great way to get rid of sore feet. Massaging the feet with sesame, eucalyptus, clove, or other natural oils can be very beneficial. Massages can help in increasing the blood flow and stimulate the nerves to give immediate relief from the pain.
You can add a few drops of these oils to your regular massage oil and apply it to the affected area. Regular massages can give long-lasting results.